In today’s News:
Memorial Day approaches
Next Monday is Memorial Day, an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the civil war and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe memorial day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. LCMS chaplains have served in the military since the Civil War. Nearly 200 are serving today.
A church is arsoned for holding Easter Services
A Mississippi church that is suing to stay open during the coronavirus shutdowns was destroyed by arson Wednesday, according to local officials. Fox News reports someone also spray-painted graffiti on the First Pentecostal Church of Holly Springs, including a message that read, “I bet you stay home now you hypokrits [sic].” Local authorities said there was an explosion in the front of the church, and the building caught fire sometime between 2 and 4 a.m. Wednesday. Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Major Kelly Mcmillian told the local news that the fire is being investigated as a criminal act of arson. It appears the church was targeted because it continued to hold services during the coronavirus shutdowns. Lawyers with the pro-life Thomas More Society are representing the church in court after Pastor Jerry Waldrop was cited by local authorities for holding services on Easter.
Two new members of Congress support the Born Alive Act
The newest members of Congress, Representative Mike Garcia of California and Representative Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, both signed the discharge petition for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act Tuesday, just hours after being sworn into office. The petition is intended to force a vote on the bill which would end infanticide and protect infants born alive during abortions. With the two additional signatures, the petition now has 205 of the 218 signatures it needs to force a floor vote. Originally sponsored by Representative Ann Wagner Of Missouri, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act requires that infants who survive an abortion attempt receive immediate medical attention. The petition effort arose after a Senate version of the bill failed to receive the 60-vote majority threshold it needed to pass. If this petition succeeds, it would force a full-floor vote on the issue. The petition expires at the end of the 116th Congress session in January 2021.
Carillon series returns to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
The annual summer carillon series, part of the 2019-20 Concordia Seminary concert series, will be held at 7 p.m. Each Tuesday in June. All recitals are free and open to the public. Following St. Louis County guidelines, guests must observe safe physical distancing from others while on campus. The carillon at Concordia Seminary is one of only 170 such instruments in North America. The 49 bells have been played atop Luther Tower since 1971, and are dedicated to all pastors who have served the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It is housed in Luther Tower, the 120-foot structure designed by architect Charles Klauder and dedicated in 1966. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to campus and sit outdoors to enjoy the music. All guests must observe physical distancing guidelines as noted on signage placed around the campus.
